One refuse collection worker has been dismissed by Serco following a video report by a member of the public in Canterbury, which appears to show collection crews mixing separated recycling materials.
This is one in a string of cases nationally in which the public have been recording work undertaken by refuse collections crews.
One of the videos is available on YouTube via the Daily Mail
In two separate videos, which have been published in local and national media outlets, three refuse workers are seen mixing together containers of separated recycling materials, including paper, and leaving recycling boxes and litter strewn across the ground.
Serco is contracted to collect refuse and recycling on behalf of Canterbury city council. The public services company won an eight year waste collection and street cleansing contract in 2012, worth around £40 million (see letsrecycle.com story).
‘Unacceptable’
When contacted by letsrecycle.com, a spokesperson for Canterbury city council and Serco said they were aware of two videos regarding the “mixing” of recyclable materials, and both the council and Serco consider this to be “completely unacceptable behaviour”.
“Residents take the time to carefully separate their recycling, and for these efforts to be undermined by the actions of the people in these videos is very disappointing.”
Spokesperson
Canterbury city council & Serco
“Residents take the time to carefully separate their recycling, and for these efforts to be undermined by the actions of the people in these videos is very disappointing.
“The first incident was reported and investigated through Serco’s disciplinary process. One of the loaders in the video was an agency worker, and he has not been used by Serco since that day. The other loader was a full time member of staff, and he no longer works for Serco.
”The second incident was also swiftly investigated. This involved an agency worker and he is also no longer being used by Serco.
“All refuse and recycling collection staff have been reminded of their responsibilities regarding collections, returning containers correctly and clearing up any dropped rubbish.”
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Source: letsrecycle.com Waste Managment
